THE number of Guantanamo Bay prisoners taking part in a hunger strike that began nearly five months ago has surged to 84 since Christmas Day.

A US Army investigation found systematic abuse and possible torture of Iraqi prisoners at a base near the northern city of Mosul, just as top military officials became aware of abuse allegations at Abu Ghraib, documents show.

Conditions at Salisbury have improved today but Saturday’s meeting featuring the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes is still under threat from the weather.

Waterlogging continues to jeopardise Salisbury’s high-class two-day fixture later this week, with an inspection already called for Friday’s card.

Kieren Fallon was keeping quiet at Salisbury this afternoon as the media circus paid a visit to the track in the wake of his arrest in connection with a race-fixing investigation.

Exploration company Ovoca Resources has reported reduced losses of €160,245 for the year to the end of February.